Systems for dynamic resistance training
Systems and methods for dynamic resistance training are provided that include the use of a dynamic force module. The dynamic force module includes an actuator and controller adapted to control the actuator according to a force profile that specifies the relationship between an operational parameter of the actuator and a measured parameter associated with a user performing an exercise. The dynamic force module is also capable of communicating with a broader network system to facilitate storing and distribution of force profiles and user profile information. The network system further includes features for, among other things, generating and managing force profiles, uploading multimedia content, and tracking user progress.
1. A dynamic force module for use in an exercise machine, the dynamic force module comprising:
a housing defining an aperture;
a motor assembly disposed within the housing, the motor assembly comprising:
a motor;
a motor shaft extending from the motor; and
a cable spooled about the motor shaft and selectively extendable and retractable by actuating the motor to rotate the motor shaft;
a frame coupled to and supporting the motor within the housing; and
a load measurement device adapted to measure a load responsive to tension on the cable,
wherein the cable is routed directly from the motor shaft through the aperture of the housing to an exterior of the housing.
2. The dynamic force module of claim 1 , wherein the motor assembly further comprises:
a drum extending about the motor shaft such that the cable is spooled about the drum and at least a portion of the drum is aligned with the aperture,
wherein the cable unspools from the drum when the cable is extended and spools onto the drum when the cable is retracted.
3. The dynamic force module of claim 2 , wherein the drum comprises an outer helical groove shaped to receive the cable such that the cable does not overlap itself when spooled on the drum.
4. The dynamic force module of claim 2 further comprising at least one proximity sensor coupled to the frame and disposed adjacent the drum, the proximity sensor configured to identify a presence of the cable at a location along the drum.
5. The dynamic force module of claim 1 , wherein:
the frame comprises a motor bracket directly coupled to the motor and a base plate offset from the motor bracket,
each of the motor bracket and base plate extend parallel to an axis of the motor, and
the load measurement device comprises a load cell coupled to each of the motor bracket and the base plate and disposed between the motor bracket and the base plate.
6. The dynamic force module of claim 5 , wherein the motor bracket is coupled to the base plate such that the motor bracket is cantilevered.
7. The dynamic force module of claim 5 , wherein the frame further comprises a spring element disposed between the motor bracket and the base plate.
8. The dynamic force module of claim 1 , wherein:
the frame comprises a motor bracket directly coupled to the motor and a base plate offset from the motor bracket,
each of the motor bracket and base plate extend parallel to an axis of the motor,
the motor bracket is coupled to the base plate by a sidewall extending between the motor bracket and the base plate, and
the load measurement device comprises a strain gauge coupled to the sidewall.
9. The dynamic force module of claim 1 , wherein:
the frame comprises a floating member,
the floating member is in contact with the load measurement device, and
the load applied to the frame is a load applied to the floating member.
10. The dynamic force module of claim 1 , wherein the load is applied to the frame.